U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Lisa Jackson, administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, today made the “historic announcement” that will push automakers to produce a light-vehicle lineup that averages 54.5 miles per gallon in the next 13 years, up from 28.6 mpg in 2011.

“Today is a monumental day for the American people, the U.S. auto industry and this administration’s efforts to make our cars more efficient – helping families save more at the pump while still preserving consumer choice,“ LaHood said during a media conference call Tuesday afternoon.

According to LaHood, the administration’s national program to improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions will save consumers more than $1.7 trillion at the gas pump and reduce U.S. oil consumption by 12 billion barrels.

Opponents of the 2017-2025 model-year standards have argued the goal is unrealistic and could boost the cost of vehicles by $2,100 or more.

Officials today said savings from fuel savings will more than offset the expected increase in cost of light weight cars and trucks by 2025. LaHood said the average fuel savings per vehicle for its lifetime could be more than $8,000.

President Barack Obama originally announced the new rules, which were supported by 13 mainstream automakers that represent 90 percent of vehicles sold in the U.S., in July 2011. Officials said there are little differences between the proposed and finalized standards.

In a statement, Obama said the fuel standards represent “the single most important step we’ve ever taken to reduce our dependence on foreign oil.”

“This historic agreement builds on the progress we’ve already made to save families money at the pump and cut our oil consumption,” he said. “By the middle of the next decade our cars will get nearly 55 miles per gallon, almost double what they get today. It’ll strengthen our nation's energy security, it's good for middle class families and it will help create an economy built to last.”